Module 27: Jazz Harmony

The Engine: ii-V-I

Classical music is V-I. Rock is I-IV-V. Jazz is ii-V-I. This standard modulation pushes the music forward through the Cycle of Fourths.

Example (C Major): Dmin7 (ii) -> G7 (V) -> Cmaj7 (I).

Module 27: Jazz Harmony — Module 27 Ii V I Progression

Guide Tones (3 & 7)

When soloing, you can't play every note. Target the Guide Tones.

The 3rd: Tells us if the chord is Major or Minor.
The 7th: Tells us if it is a Dominant or Major 7.

If you hit the 3rd and 7th, you 'outline the changes' perfectly.

Module 27: Jazz Harmony — Module 27 Guide Tones 3 7

Circle of Fourths

Jazz progressions move counter-clockwise on the Circle of Fifths (which is the Circle of Fourths). C -> F -> Bb -> Eb... This is the gravitational pull of harmony.

Module 27: Jazz Harmony — Module 27 Circle Fourths Jazz

Color Tones (Extensions)

The 'Butter Notes'. Adding 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths makes sound rich and sophisticated.

C Major 9: C - E - G - B - D. That high D is the pretty note.

Module 27: Jazz Harmony — Module 27 Chord Stack

Module 27: Jazz Harmony

The Engine: ii-V-I

Guide Tones (3 & 7)

Circle of Fourths

Color Tones (Extensions)

Practice This Lesson Live with Your Trumpet